New challenge for Mills

Rural Northwest Health has a new leader after the appointment of Kevin Mills as chief executive.

Mr Mills gained respect in the health industry as Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital chief executive, a position he had for the past three years after replacing now Member for Lowan Emma Kealy.

His move to Yarriambiack Shire will return him closer to the region where he grew up on his parents’ Kalkee plains farm.

A registered accountant, Mr Mills’ first executive position was as finance manager of Wimmera Uniting Care, now Uniting Wimmera, in Horsham.

Rural Northwest Health board chair Julia Hausler announced the appointment to fellow directors, executive and team members on Friday.

Ms Hausler said Mr Mills had good connections within Wimmera Southern Mallee Health Alliance and Grampians Region Network and both organisations would continue to benefit from that relationship.

“We are really happy with how the recruitment process went,” she said.

“Kevin is a proven chief executive with a good track record and we are really looking forward to working with him and keeping Rural Northwest Health strong into the future.”

Ms Hausler was also appreciative of the work from acting chief executive Craig Wilding, who will continue in his role until September 14.

Mr Mills will start his role at Rural Northwest Health on October 1.